Characterization of Aspergillus species isolated from cereals in Aflotoxigenic hot zones in Kenya

Ref ID: 19523

Author:

OMM Mashedi1*, LW Muita1, RK Korir1, EG Gatumwa1, AK Kulo1, TY Yaguchi2,
KY Yokoyama2, SK Kawamoto2, TM Matsuzawa2, CB Bii2, TG Gonoi1

Author address:

1Mycology, Kenya Medical Research Institute, Nairobi, Kenya
2Medical Mycology Research Center, Chiba University, Chiba, Japan

Full conference title:

6th Advances Against Aspergillosis 2014

Abstract:

Purpose:
Fungi of the genus Aspergillus is an important agricultural pathogen due to its ability to produce
mycotoxins and to cause diseases in plants, humans and animals. Kenya has been experiencing repeated
aflatoxin episodes with disastrous results. During the aflatoxicoses episodes in Kenya observed in
2004 and 2005 it was documented approximately 200 deaths with 500 acute illnesses. This study
aimed to characterize the isolated Aspergillus species from which cereals in aflatoxigenic hot zones
in Kenya by using phenotypic and genotypic features; and to determine the potential Aspergillus
mycotoxins.
Methods:
100 grain samples were collected from the grain markets in Eastern Province and transported to
Nairobi Mycology Laboratory for mycology analysis. Isolation and phenotypic characterization was
done using potato dextrose agar and malt extract agar mediums. Genotypic characterizations were
based on camodulin encoding genes. Gene sequences were assembled with sequence navigator.
Results:
The most frequently isolated Aspergillus species from all samples were; Aspergillus awamori
(47%), Aspergillus mini sclerotigenes (21%), Aspergillus flavus var. columnaris (10%), Aspergillus
tamari (5%), Aspergillus fumigatus (5%) respectively. The ability of these isolates to produce the
mycotoxins; Ochratoxins A and aflatoxins were confirmed by using Envirologix test kit. From the
results we can conclude that 47% of the cereals were contaminated with Aspergillus awamori species
which is responsible for the production of Ochratoxin A toxins.
Conclusion:
There is need for further investigating on other Aspergillus species than the traditional green
Aspergillus. To set up public mycotoxilogical food safety standards and program to safeguard the
public from mycotoxin exposure. Such information is essential for intervention strategies aimed at
reducing mycotoxin in Kenya.

Abstract Number: 50

Conference Year: 2014

Link to conference website: http://www.AAA2014.org

New link: NULL

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